A year ago
Mason Mount's $60 million plan by Erik ten Hag will affect three Manchester United midfielders.
Mason Mount is about to move from Chelsea to Erik ten Hag's Manchester United after a £60 million transfer fee was agreed upon for the England international.
The futures of Christian Eriksen, Fred, and Scott McTominay may be significantly impacted by Mason Mount's transfer to Manchester United.
The 24-year-old England international was the subject of three United proposals, but Chelsea has already accepted one for £60 million. A £55 million portion of that sum will be paid up front by the Red Devils, and Mount is soon to sign a five-year contract and pass his medical at Old Trafford.
Although Mount is an attacking midfielder by trade, it is unlikely that he will be selected over Bruno Fernandes, Erik ten Hag's first-choice No. 10, in the starting XI. He is more likely to present Christian Eriksen of Denmark, who plays the No. 8 position, with competition.
When Eriksen joined United from Brentford a year ago on a free transfer, he was likewise an offensive midfielder, but Ten Hag used him effectively in a deeper position. Mount and Eriksen are comparable players, therefore the latter might imitate the former.
Despite Mount's arrival, Eriksen is not anticipated to leave Old Trafford this summer. Ten Hag needs further depth in the No. 8 position, as evidenced by last season, when Eriksen sustained a major ankle injury, forcing United to buy Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.
There is a good likelihood that Fernandes, Eriksen, or Mount may sustain an injury in the upcoming campaign. In his first five professional seasons, Mount hardly ever missed a game, but even he struggled with a hip issue last year.
Thus, in the center of United's midfield, two of Fernandes, Eriksen, and Mount will start ahead of Casemiro. Currently, McTominay and Fred are Ten Hag's No. 6's backups, but at least one of them ought to arrive this summer.
According to BBC Sport, Fred is the player who is most likely to depart Old Trafford. In his five years at Old Trafford, the 30-year-old Brazilian has found it difficult to win over the crowd. Fulham is rumored to be interested in signing him, and United is considering bids.
The circumstance for McTominay is unique. After graduating from the club's academy, the 26-year-old Scotland international is a player United wants to retain onto. He might not want to be Casemiro's sidekick, though. If McTominay wants to leave United, United will permit him to do so.
Mount's adaptability and willingness to carry out his manager's orders are two of his greatest assets. He has previously shifted into central midfield for Chelsea and England, and if Ten Hag needs him there, he is capable of playing in a wide position.
"He [Mount] has the full package," ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said in May 2021. He is a good guy who is grounded and talented physically, mentally, and most importantly, in terms of his character.
"He visits Cobham [training facility] every day to gain new knowledge and expertise. It's a pleasure to have him, to be by his side, to lead and encourage him. He seems unaffected by all the accolades, which is astonishing. This may be the most crucial section.
He looks to be a guy who enjoys the sport, feels obligated to maximize his potential, and wants it fiercely, so it's a great combination.
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